Saving Yesterday

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VING

YE TERD Y

by

E. Thornton Goode, Jr.


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Saving Yesterday

by

E. Thornton Goode, Jr.


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Dedication and Appreciation

This story is dedicated to my wonderful friends,

companions, all those I have cared for and loved over theyears who are now gone from this life, especially Tristram

Coffin, Phillip McDonald and Danny Glass. I could sit here

and name so many others, but it would be a long list and you

would have no idea who they were. I remember them and

thats what is important. Periodically, something will happen

and it triggers a distant memory of one or several of them. I

miss them all.

In this story, I have tried to e!press what the meaning

of love is to me. It is not something you can weigh or put in

a bo!. "ften words cannot e!plain it. #ut I do believe it is

the most valuable thing we can ever have in our lives.

I also want to than$ my friend, %ulian Green, for the

use of his picture. I truly appreciate that. It will give the

reader a handsome face to relate to, regarding the character

of %onathan &olfe in the story.


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PROLOGE

I, the writer, have never believed in coincidence. I

believe that things happen for reasons and we meet thepeople we do in life for reasons. 'lso, we meet them when

we are supposed to meet them and not before. I believe we

are connected to happenings and people in ways that I cannot

e!plain. Certain events, whether large or small, bring certain

individuals together. (ome may have a big influence on our

lives and some not so much, but all happen for reasons.

)ere are perfect e!amples.

* * * * *


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It was the late nineteen si!ties or early seventies. I

was in +ichmond and went to the irginia Museum of -ine

'rts to see the (alvador Dali ewel collection. "bviously, I

was not the only person there to view it.

It was almost ten years later, in 'tlanta, Georgia, that

I met Tris, who became my best friend. In a long

conversation we had at our first meeting and discussing our

histories, we discovered we had been in +ichmond during

the same time period. -urther discussion somehow brought

up the subect of the Dali collection at the museum. &e

concluded we both had been there that day and possibly

rubbed elbows. #ut. &e were not supposed to meet yet. It

was not time.

&e had a terrific and very close friendship until I

would never see his handsome smiling face or hear his

unforgettable, deep barrel laugh again. It was ust before his

birthday in 'ugust of nineteen ninety/nine, he left this life.

* * * * *


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In nineteen seventy/seven, a friend dragged me to a

bar. I did not want to go, protesting constantly, $nowing the

night would be a total waste of time. -inally, as my eyesbecame accustomed to the dim lighting, I loo$ed across the

crowded room and saw a man sitting at the bar. I could not

stop staring at him. Then, most unbelievably, my friend said

he happened to $now him and introduced me. )ad I not

gone out that night, I could have missed meeting Phillip, a

handsome fireman, the one person who became incredibly

significant in my life for nineteen years. In May of nineteen

ninety/si!, he caught a cold that the stubborn man would not

ta$e care of, telling me it would go away. It developed into

rampant pneumonia and Phillip went away. )e left this life

that same month.


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* * * * *

Two years later, I was wor$ing at a transitional home.

The girls who ran the place saw how 0down I was over

losing Phillip and they put the office computer online so Icould do some online dating. I was very reluctant to do so,

as I thought it outrageous. 1ow, remember, online dating in

nineteen ninety/eight was in its beginnings and not what it is

today. There were no pictures, ust written descriptions in

the profiles. The girls were adamant and $ept pushing. (o I

too$ a leap of faith. I found a personal ad and he sounded

nice. (o I responded.

That is how I met Dan. &e shared an incredible

Platonic relationship for si!teen years. )e was a funny, $ind,

considerate and loving man. &e were going to retire

together to the (& coast of Me!ico. Dan and I loved the


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ocean and the beach. The area inspired my novels, It

)appened In 2ihuataneo, The 3ua$e and The (tranger from

the (ea. They will be in print sometime down the road.

It was May of two thousand and fourteen and got

word that our house in Me!ico was almost finished. &e

were so happy. "n May twentieth, I had fi!ed brea$fast and

went to his bedroom to see if he was hungry. I found him in

his bed. )e had had a heart attac$ in the night and was gone.

I would now have to go to our retirement house alone.

* * * * *

This is my friend, %ulian Green. )is handsome face

is similar to that of the character, %ohnathan &olfe, in this

novel. I as$ed %ulian if I could include his picture so the

reader could get an image in his head, as to how the


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character would appear. Than$ you, %ulian, for letting me

use your wonderful picture.

* * * * *

(o you see. Those we meet can be the ones who lead

us to others who become important. &hich for$ in the road

we choose will determine the direction of our lives.

(ometimes I believe the -ates step in and help us see the

right path. It may not be the one we had planned, but later,

when we loo$ bac$, we may actually reali4e it was the right

choice. It is li$e Dan used to say, 5uoting the -rench

Proverb by %ean de 6a -ontaine. 0' person often meets his

Destiny, on the road he too$ to avoid it. If we all seriously

went about fulfilling our Destiny, there would be no need for

-ate.

(ome have as$ed me if I would do it all again,

$nowing the heartache, pain and agony of loss I still endure,in seeing those close to me leave me behind. I tell them,

there is a wonderful country song done by Garth #roo$s

whose words go7 0-or a moment, all the world was right.

)ow could I have $nown, that youd ever say goodbye8 'nd

now. Im glad I didnt $now the way it all would end, the

way it all would go. "ur lives are better left to chance. I

could have missed the pain, but Ida had to miss the dance.They are gone, but they still live in my heart and in my mind.

There is a saying I would write on the 5uilts of

friends of mine who died of 'ID(. 0&e are immortal, as

long as we live in the hearts and minds of others, especially

the hearts and minds of those who love us. I believe this

pertains to all those who go before us.

'nd so, this story brings elements of the -ates, timing

and the meeting of others, putting them all into play. The

place, the people, the circumstances, the events, and maybe

even certain numbers, connect them all together to create a


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certain outcome. 'n alteration in any of them, most li$ely,

would significantly change that outcome. "f course, the

-ates can step in to hopefully $eep things on the right trac$.


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!"APTER #

Paul opened the door to the main office. )e led

Michael in, then pointed to the wall behind the des$. 9This,Mr. Michael, is what I wanted to show you.:

Michael loo$ed at the matted and framed front page

of an old newspaper. The paper was yellowed with age but

the bold, blac$ headline, now faded by time, caused him to

start. It was as if a thousand daggers pierced his eyes, his

body, his heart. )e panted, trying to catch his breath.

9Mr. Michael, are you all right8: Paul grabbed

Michaels arm.

9I must go; (omehow I have to try and stop him;:

Michael spo$e with conviction then turned and ran out of the

office.

Paul yelled after him. 9#ut where are you going8:

9If I can, Im saving yesterday;: )e ran through the

lobby and out the front door.

Paul was unable to run and follow him but $new he

was heading to the pavilion. )e stopped 5uic$ly at the frontdes$ to grab his coat and tell Martin where he was going.

)e limped along as fast as he could but grew tired.

)alfway there, he needed to pause and rest. (tanding at the

top of a short flight of stairs in the path, he leaned against the

stone balustrade. In his pause, it all unfolded in his mind,

right from the very first day, almost two wee$s earlier.


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!"APTER ##

Michael wal$ed through the front doors of the hotel.

)e stopped momentarily to loo$ around and absorb theelegance of the large lobby. 9&ow;: 'll he had heard did

not do it ustice. )e smiled and headed to the front des$.

The sound of his boots on the polished, wooden par5uet

floors echoed through the enormous space.

The older gentleman behind the front des$ was aware

of Michael the moment he entered the lobby. 9Good

afternoon, sir. 'nd welcome to (andora.: ' warm smile

filled his face. 9I hope you had a pleasant trip. My name is

Paul. 'nd from the things youre carrying, I see youre an

artist.:

Michael set his large carryall down on the floor and

leaned his artists easel against the front des$. 9'nd a good

afternoon to you, too.


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9If youre really good, the hotel might consider

purchasing one to hang.: Paul gave a big grin.

9Im not a professional but I sell one, once in a while.

Im not too bad. Must admit, the architecture here would

ma$e a great subect. The light gray stone walls and the

-rench Gothic windows give it a cathedral 5uality. The

turrets and steep dar$ blue/gray slate roofs give it that old

world loo$. I love the light tan ornamentation. The whole

structure seems $idnapped from a fairy story.: )e loo$ed

around the lobby, decorated elegantly with gilded -rench

panels accented with oil paintings in wide gold ornamented

frames. ' huge -rench crystal chandelier, glistening li$e a

thousand spar$ling diamonds, hung from the twenty/foot

high ornate ceiling above his head. 96oo$s li$e someone

stole a wing of ersailles and planted it here.: )e chuc$led.

9&ait till you see all the gardens. ' lot of the spring

shrubs and bulbs are in bloom. 1ow, do you have morebaggage8 I will get it for you. (orry, there are no valets. Its

the middle of the wee$ and the off/season. Most of the

young men are still in school. =sually, have them only on

wee$ends or for some maor function. Till the season pic$s

up.:

9"h. 1o problem.


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inury. )appened right out there in the par$ing lot, a long

time ago.: Pauls face flinched suddenly as if recalling some

faded memory. )e loo$ed hard at Michael. 9>!cuse me, but

have you ever been here before8 (omehow you loo$

familiar li$e I have met you before.:

91o. 1o. Ive never been here before and I dont

thin$ we have ever met.: Michael grabbed the cart and

headed to his car. 9Ill be bac$ in a minute and sign in.:

Momentarily, Michael returned with his artists case

containing his paints and brushes, a few canvases and a small

carryall bag that had his turpentine, linseed oil and cleaning

rags. )e removed his cowboy hat, placing it on the des$

then pic$ed up the pen to write his name in the large,

hardbound register boo$. Three/5uarters of it had been

filled. )e could only imagine the names, the people, filling

the previous pages. )e resisted the temptation to loo$ bac$

through them. )e pulled out his wallet and got out his creditcard and placed it on the des$.

Paul $ept staring at Michael. 9Im sorry, sir, and I

dont mean to be a pest, but are you sure we have never met

before8: )e loo$ed intensely at Michaels hat on the des$.

9I could have sworn.: )e shoo$ his head, as if not being

able to recall some distant event.

9Im pretty sure.: Michael smiled politely. 9Michael

Groves. Please, call me Michael.:

Paul loo$ed down at the registry boo$ and the credit

card. 9Mr. Michael Groves. %ust a second. 6et me chec$

the reservations on the computer. &e ust got this one in%anuary. They seem to be the new thing. Im still not real

sure how it wor$s. 'nd we still havent transferred all the

information and reservations into it yet. )eard they are the

wave of the future and everyone will have one. I thin$ they

are a bit pricey, though.:


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9ven mymeals8 There must be some mista$e.:

9There is a note here in the file approved by top

management, indicating that regardless of your e!penses,

they will all be covered. Carte blanche. They have also put

you in one of the finest suites. I have to admit, the card and

note are 5uite old.: )e turned the old reservation card andnote toward Michael.

9're you absolutely sure8 Paul, this is a very

e!pensive hotel. I cannot imagine anyone paying two wee$s

here for me. >specially, when I have no idea who it is.:


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9


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9


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nice hot shower made him reali4e how tired he really was.


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!"APTER ###

&hen Michael opened his eyes. The chandelier was

still on. )e had forgotten to turn it off before lying down.)e loo$ed over at the large mantel cloc$. 9)umm. 'lmost

si!/thirty. Thats cool.: )e mumbled. Ill ust run down

and grab a 5uic$ bite before I head to bed. )e began to plan

his itinerary in his head. &ant to get an early start in the

morning. &ant to see the area and find a few places that

would ma$e a nice painting.

)e 5uic$ly brushed his teeth then opened his carry

bag and pulled out some clean eans and shirt. -inally, he

was dressed and ready to head out the door. #efore he

opened it, he could see himself in the large mirror hanging

on the door. -leece/lined eans ac$et, eans, boots and his

brown cowboy hat. It was his persona.


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smile. 9I too$ a nap and was going to get up for dinner, but

it seems I slept through the whole thing.: )e laughed out

loud. 9&ell. Gee4. I was going to eat, but I guess the

restaurant is not open yet.:

9The dining room opens in about an hour. #ut would

you li$e to have a cup of coffee and a sweet roll with me8

Go sit over there near the fireplace. Ill bring everything

there in a minute.:

9That would be terrific. Than$s, Paul. #ut what

about the front des$8:

91ot to worry. Martin is in the office and will ta$e

care of things.:

(hortly, Paul wal$ed up and placed the tray on the

coffee table in front of Michael. )e sat down across from

him and fi!ed Michael a cup. 9Mr. Michael. )ave a niceroll. They are very good.: (oon, they started chatting.

#efore Michael reali4ed, he was telling Paul his life

story. Paul didnt mind. )e was a good listener and even

though he had only $nown Michael for less than a day, he

sensed there was something different about him. )e could

feel his sincerity, openness and amiable personality.

Michael found it easy to tal$ to Paul. It was li$e

tal$ing with his long lost grandfather. )e found himself

telling Paul things he thought he would not tell ust anyone.

'nd it was comfortable. 9(orry, Paul. I guess I got into

motormouth mode. &as curious. Dont mean to pry, but

how did you hurt your leg8:

9"h. It was a long time ago.: Paul loo$ed up into

space seeming to search for something in his head. 9#ac$ in

nineteen twenty. 'ugust twenty/fourth. I was eleven, going

on twelve. &as out in the par$ing lot. "ne of the guests hit


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me with his car. It was my fault. I ran out in front of it.


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#y the late afternoon, his painting was virtually

finished. Michael was 5uite pleased with it and was ama4ed

at how 5uic$ly it flowed onto the canvas. It captured the

beautiful colors of the a4aleas and other blooming plants

surrounding the elegant structure. )e $new it was going to

loo$ great in a nice wide, ornate gold frame.

's he entered the lobby, he was aware of more guests

arriving at the hotel for the wee$end. )e loo$ed over at the

reception des$ and saw Paul, busy with guests chec$ing in.

9I want to see that when you are finished.: Paul

called out with a big smile on his face.

9I will.: Michael nodded his head and $ept heading

to the elevators.

Michael had been doing fast food since he arrived,running down into town. )e $new he could have eaten in

the dining room but didnt want to abuse his privilege. #ut

tonight, Paul indicated the dining room would be open late,

with the number of guests arriving for the wee$end. 'nd

there would be dancing, too. 'll he could imagine was the

large dining rooms of such places li$e the +it4, the &aldorf

'storia and other such elegant places were dining anddancing was the norm. )e would dress for the occasion.

The ne!t elevator was empty. )e was glad, as he

didnt want to get paint on any of the guests, much less

smear his painting.

'rriving in his room, he laid out his clothes fordinner and decided to ta$e a 5uic$ nap. 'fter a hot shower,

he set the small alarm cloc$ hed brought with him and went

to bed. )e did not want a repeat of the previous &ednesday

night, two days before.


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!"APTER #$

&hen Michael opened his eyes, he loo$ed at the

mantle cloc$ and was surprised to see it was almost sevenocloc$. )e reached over and shut off his alarm cloc$ before

it had time to go off.

(ince it was his first night in the hotel dining room,

he decided to dress well. )e wanted to loo$ the part, even if

he could only afford peanut butter and elly sandwiches. )e

too$ his time, as he didnt want to get there too early. )e

remembered there was going to be dancing. True, he was not

going to dance, as he had no partner, but he li$ed to watch,

especially if it was nice ballroom style.

It was almost eight ocloc$, as he headed for the door.

'gain, he saw his reflection in the big mirror. It was that of

an average built man, five and a half feet tall, dressed in

blac$ formal pants, blac$ ac$et, white ruffled shirt, blac$

bow tie and cummerbund, and of course, his more formal,

blac$ cowboy hat and boots. Michael $new he always

loo$ed good in blac$ as it complemented his dar$ brown

hair, mustache and beard.

&al$ing down the hall, the sound of his boots was

cushioned by the thic$ carpet runners. )e too$ the elevatorto the second floor and got off. )ed thought about it, ever

since he saw the staircase. ' devilish sense went through

him. -inally, he was standing some ten feet from the stairs.

)e could hear the echoes of a piano in some distant place.

6oo$ing down and out across the large lobby, he

envisioned a scene from an old television show with 6oretta


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nineteen eighty/two. )e chuc$led. #ut not right now. )e

descended the steps without fanfare.

There were several, well/dressed people in the lobby,

heading toward the dining room. The sound of a piano was

coming from that direction.

Michael entered the reception area to the dining room

and removed his hat. )e waited patiently to be seated. )e

really couldnt see the whole dining room from where he

was, but there were the sounds of mi!ed conversations,

laughter and the occasional tin$ling of glassware.

-inally, a man came over and bowed slightly. )e

loo$ed around to see if anyone was with Michael but

reali4ed he was alone. 9Dinner for one, sir8:

9ntering the dining room, he

noticed a wall of -rench doors and windows. 9>!cuse me,but would it be possible to sit at the windows8:

9ery good, sir.: )e slowly led Michael through the

lavishly decorated room to a small table near the large

windows and doors that opened out onto the terrace beyond.

-rom the e!terior gaslights around the terrace, he could see

several wrought iron tables and chairs outside, but the coolnight air made it too uncomfortable to sit out for dinner.

(oon, he noticed several guests loo$ing at him. )e

rather e!pected it, as he was not in the conventional evening

wear.

The spacious room, decorated in the -rench style, hada fairly large area for dancing. ' very talented young man in

evening clothes was playing the grand piano near the dance

floor. The music was varied and 5uite enoyable, nothing

outrageous or with a fast tempo.


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Paul would e!plain later, that a rather prestigious

liberal arts college was located in the area and many of the

talented music students would come to the hotel and

perform. Mostly, these were students on scholarships who

really needed e!tra money.

)e began with his usual "ld -ashion before dinner.

The meal and wine were e!ceptional. #efore leaving the

dining room, he left a large tip on the table, then went over

and dropped several dollar bills into the tip goblet on the

piano. The young man nodded and smiled his appreciation.

)e wal$ed over to the host. )e handed the host his signed

bill. 9Than$ you very much. The meal was e!cellent. 'nd

the music was superb.:

9Im glad you enoyed it, sir. &ell see you

tomorrow night8:

9ven though he had

ta$en the short nap earlier, he was still 5uite tired. ' good

nights rest is e!actly what he needed. #efore he turned out

the light, he loo$ed at the mantle cloc$. It was a little after

eleven/thirty. (hortly, he was asleep.


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!"APTER $

The ne!t day, he dressed in his eans and flannel, then

put on his ac$et. )is casual brown boots and hat were theusual. 's he left the room, his eyes glanced at the mantle

cloc$. It was almost eight forty/five.

)e stopped by the front des$ to spea$ to Paul.

9Dinner last night was great. I loved the piano music. I have

to say, I am truly super impressed with everything.:

9I saw you had your painting yesterday. Is it

finished8:

9'lmost.: Michael was telling a little white lie, as

the canvas was complete. )e ust didnt want anyone to see

it without a frame.

9I really want to see it when its done.: Paul was

very happy.

9&ill do.: )e 5uic$ly returned to his room and

grabbed another canvas, paint bo! and easel and headed out

again. 's he passed the front des$, he nodded his head.

9Tal$ with you later.:

96oo$s li$e a beautiful day out there. (ee you later.:

Paul waved.

)e went to another place he had pic$ed to paint and

spent the rest of the day there. During the day, several of the

guests, strolling in the gardens, passed by and commented as

to the beauty of his wor$. ' few even as$ed if he wouldconsider a commission and too$ his personal card. )is mind

pondered the outcome. I should consider coming here more

often. &ho $nows where some of these commissions might

lead8 "h yeah.


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The afternoon passed and it was time to get bac$. )e

pac$ed up everything. (oon, he was passing through the

lobby.

9Mr. Michael. Good afternoon. )ow did things go

today8:

Michael wal$ed over and turned the unfinished

canvas toward Paul. 9' few fol$s came by and saw my

wor$. I thin$ I might get a few commissions. 'nd this one

isnt even finished yet.:

9That is terrific. (ee.


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!"APTER $#

&hen he awo$e, it was after seven. )e dressed in his

all blac$ again, donned his hat and headed to the diningroom. 9I dont care if they do thin$ its the only really

uptown clothes I own.: )e chuc$led.

's he wal$ed into the reception area, he removed his

hat. )e noticed the host was not the same as the previous

evening. The music was different, too. Tonight there were

several other musicians, accompanying the piano. The

number of dinner guests seemed to be larger. Maybe it was

because of it being (aturday evening.

9Good evening.: )e spo$e to the host. 9"ne for

dinner. I was wondering if it might be possible to sit ne!t to

the windows.:

9Certainly, sir.: The young man led him to a table as

re5uested.

Michael noticed that everyone in the room seemed to

be watching him, as he wal$ed to his table. It was a similar

feeling as the previous evening, but something was different.

)e reali4ed his attire was a far cry from the very formal

dress of the other guests. #ut the feeling was fleeting. )ewas who he was and he brushed it off. )e placed his hat on

the chair opposite from where he was getting ready to sit

down. 'lready on the table in front of him was the menu for

the evening.

9&e will be with you very shortly, sir.: The young

man bowed slightly and left the table.

&ithin a few moments, a waiter arrived. 9May I get

you something to drin$, sir8:


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9"h.


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'fter a further loo$ at the selections, he made his decision.

)e set the menu down on the corner of the table and leaned

bac$ in his chair so he could ta$e in more of his

surroundings.

)e began to loo$ around the room, noticing several

couples on the dance floor under the large chandelier. The

soft light in the room and the slow tempo of the music made

the room feel warm and co4y.

(uddenly, Michael saw a man in evening clothes with

dar$, virtually blac$ hair, parted on the right side, sitting

alone almost diagonally across the room. The man was

loo$ing right at him. Michael usually li$ed those with dar$

eyes, but this combination of dar$ hair and intense green

eyes was mesmeri4ing. The mans left eye was covered with

a blac$ patch. )is dar$ mustache and goatee slightly

shadowed the mans smile. )e $ept smiling at Michael until

he reali4ed Michael was finally aware of his stare.

Michael smiled bac$ and bowed his head slightly.

The man bowed his head and his smile turned into a big grin.

The man pic$ed up his coc$tail, raising it slightly in a subtle

toast towards Michael. Michael returned the gesture with his

"ld -ashion.

Michael thought how good loo$ing the man was.

&onder what happened to his eye8 )e smiled and loo$ed

down at the table, sha$ing his head slightly. #ut does he

have any personality?or a brain8 The thought popped in his

head.


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9


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whispered the words with melody. 90(ome enchanted

evening, you will see a stranger.


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Michael reali4ed the note indicated discretion. )e

folded it and put it in his ac$et poc$et. )e wanted to place a

very large tip on the table but remembered Paul telling him

that was not done on the wee$ends. The tips were built into

the bill. (tanding to leave the dining room, he turned toward

%onathans table and slightly bowed his head. Passing

through the entrance, he than$ed the host and indicated the

e!cellence of the food, service and music.

's he approached the grand staircase, he started up

slowly, forgetting about the elevators. )e could not get

%onathan out of his mind. )e wondered what his voice

sounded li$e and how tall he was. >ntering his room, he got

out of his dress clothes and put on a deep red, plaid, flannel

shirt, his eans and brown boots. 1e!t, he put on his fleece

ac$et and brown cowboy hat. (tanding in front of the

mirror, he smiled. ' 5uic$ turn to chec$ the time showed he

had twenty minutes to get to the pavilion.

)e went down, out a side door and onto the terrace.

The e!terior gaslights were dim, but Michael could see his

way across the terrace and down the stairs to the pathways

and stairways below. "rnamental gas lamps illuminated all

the pathways. )e remembered the way to the pavilion from

the day he painted it.

'rriving, he unlatched the iron gate in the stone wall

around the yard. The sound of his boots resounded on the

flagstone wal$way. )e wal$ed up to the large wooden door,

grabbed the large brass $noc$er and pounded three times.

(hortly, the door opened and there stood %onathan,

over si! feet tall, still in his evening wear. ' big smile filledhis face. )e e!tended his hand, as he greeted Michael in a

calm deep voice. 9&ell. )ello, cowboy. Im %onathan

&olfe. Please come in. Im so glad you came.:


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Michael smiled, sha$ing %onathans hand. 9Michael.

Michael Groves. 'nd than$ you so much for dinner. It was

incredible.: The sound of %onathans voice was similar to

that of (am >lliott. I had seen the movie, 0The 6egacy, ust

a few years earlier. &ho could ever forget (am >lliott8

%onathan smiled. 9


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Michael too$ his for$ and placed some of the dessert

in his mouth. 9"h?my?God; This is?: )e paused

slightly. 9There are no words.: )e ate some more.

9I told you.: %onathan began to laugh.

-inishing, %onathan too$ the plates and put them on

the bar. )e returned to his seat across from Michael. 9


36/209

9


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9I $now what you mean. I play 0at the piano. Ma$es

me appreciate anyone who is really accomplished at the

$eyboard. Do you play8: )is eyes turned to the large grand

embraced in the curve of the staircase.

9&ell, yes, I do.:

9&hy dont you play something. &ould love to hear

you.:

%onathan went and sat at the piano. )e turned and

smiled at Michael. 91ow remember.


38/209

horsebac$ riding tomorrow and would li$e you to oin me.


39/209

6ying there in the dar$, he thought of %onathan. &hat

a terrific guy. I believe we could become friends, good

friends. #ut, damn; )e seems to have a lot of money. ' lot

more than I do. #ut he doesnt seem to be snobby about it. I

dont thin$ he would have invited me here if he were. &hat

can I say8 "h well. &e shall see. )e laughed to the

dar$ness. Im ust going to enoy the time. )e was 5uiet and

finally asleep.


40/209

!"APTER $##

&hen Michael opened his eyes, the house was 5uiet.

6ight coming through the beveled glass windows sent spraysof rainbow color throughout the room.

I wonder if %onathans up8 )e got out of bed and put

on his eans. &onder what time it is8 )e went to the

bathroom door and $noc$ed.

' voice came from the other side. 9Michael, good

morning. Im getting ready to ta$e a shower and shave.:

9Thats fine. Ill wait till youre done. I ust wanted

to brush my teeth and shave.: Michael tal$ed through the

closed door. 9#y the way, where did you buy that tooth

powder8 Its gritty as hell.:

9Come in. &hat was that8:

Michael entered the bathroom. 9I was ma$ing a

comment about your tooth powder. If I get to visit again, Ill

bring mine. I thin$ youll li$e it much better, trust me.


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body. It was significantly more than the hair on his own

body.

9&ell. I was wondering how tall you really were. I

mean, without your boots.: %onathan loo$ed down at

Michael. 9(eems I am somewhat bigger than you are.: )e

smiled.

Michael loo$ed %onathan up and down. 9-rom what I

can see, you are a lot bigger than me...: )e paused for a

moment. 9


42/209

curtain. )e began humming some tune that was 5uic$ly

distorted by the water spray.

Michael 5uic$ly used the brush to cover his nec$ with

lather. 'fter a few minutes, he started with the ra4or. It too$

a few stro$es and it was immediately evident he would never

be able to master a straight ra4or. ' few more stro$es and he

had to stop. The blade was very sharp and his nec$ was not

luc$y. (everal drops of blood appeared where he had nic$ed

himself. 9"h well. #etter luc$ ne!t time. If there is a ne!t

time.: )e said softly.

%onathan finished with the shower, as Michael wiped

off the remaining lather. 9My turn, now.: %onathan whipped

up more lather and with the speed and accuracy of a great

sculptor, moved the ra4or over the surface of his s$in, not

touching his mustache or goatee.

Michael stood in ama4ement that %onathan had notdrawn the first drop of blood. 9Practice ma$es perfect, I

guess.: )e muttered. 9'nd he does it with only one eye.

Damn.:

9&hat8: %onathan loo$ed at Michael, reflected in the

mirror above the counter.

9"h, nothing. %ust tal$ing to myself. Thin$ Ill ta$e

a 5uic$ shower, too, if its all right.:

9(ure. Ill be in my room getting dressed.: %onathan

left the room.

Michael too$ his shower and as he dried off, hepressed the towel against his nec$, then tore small pieces of

toilet paper and placed them on the cuts. )e stood at the

closed door to %onathans bedroom. 9Ill go finish getting

dressed and meet you in the hall.: )e started to his room.


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9'll right. #e there in a minute.:

&ithin a few minutes, they met in the hall outside the

bedrooms. %onathan was wearing a pair of riding pants,

boots, a long sleeve, buttoned white shirt, and a dar$ wool,

double/breasted ac$et. 96ets go get some brea$fast and

then well go riding. There are several places I thin$ you

will enoy seeing.:

1ice riding outfit, Michael thought. +eally uptown.

'nd I loo$ li$e country come to town.

They left the pavilion through the -rench doors onto

the east terrace. -rom there, they went down the steps to a

path that wound through the landscape and through a small

gate in the stone wall. This path finally oined the path that

went around the inlet of the la$e and finally, right up to the

steps of the terrace of the hotel dining room.

&hen they entered the dining room, %onathan waved

to a man across the room. 9Good morning, Ma!. (omething

5uic$ and easy for my friend and me.:

Ma! was a stoc$y gentleman, of medium height,

clean/shaven e!cept for a bushy mustache and dar$ brown

hair parted in the middle. Michael thought he loo$ed to be inhis early thirties. "ne of his most outstanding features was

his infectious smile.

9Good morning, Mr. %onathan. Certainly. +ight

away.:

%onathan led Michael to the table where he wasseated the previous evening. 9)ave a seat, Michael.: They

both sat down.

Momentarily, Ma! arrived with two cups of coffee,

small plates and a bas$et of hot rolls. (etting them down, he


44/209

was gone only a short time, then returned with sugar,

creamer and a container of dar$ marmalade. 9Ill have your

ham and eggs shortly.:

Michael and %onathan stood up.

9Than$ you, Ma!. "h, Ma!. This is my friend,

Michael. &ere going riding today.:

Ma! loo$ed out the wall of -rench windows. 9It

loo$s li$e a fine day for riding.:

Michael spo$e up. 9Ma!. I wanted to compliment

you on dinner last night. It was absolutely e!cellent. 'nd

your chocolate dessert was unbelievable. Than$ you.:

Ma! gave a big grin. 9Than$ you, Mr. Michael. I

appreciate it. They are my own recipes. I am so glad you

li$ed it.: )e loo$ed over to %onathan. 96oo$s to be a veryfine day.: Ma! win$ed his right eye, smiled, then bowed his

head slightly and left the table.

Michael and %onathan resumed their seats at the table.

Michael loo$ed at %onathan. 9%onathan. I am so

sorry. I wasnt thin$ing when I spo$e of the dessert. I didnot mean to brea$ a confidence.:

9Dont worry. Ma! $new I was inviting you to the

cottage last night for dessert. )e $new I wanted something

really special. (o he sent me with the chocolate dessert.

Ma! $nows me well and is not udgmental and does not

ump to any conclusions. )is win$ was a sign that heapproves. #ut than$ you for your concern.:

Michael wanted to $now what that meant but did not

want to ruffle any feathers. )e $ept silent.


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Michael and %onathan finished brea$fast then headed

for the stables. The stable master had two horses ready. '

slee$ blac$ horse was %onathans regular ride. ' palomino

was saddled for Michael.

9Mount up, Michael. &e should be bac$ by late

afternoon. &ait till you see the places I want to show you. I

hope you li$e them as much as I do.: They slowly headed

up a mountain path.

'fter an hour, they came to a beautiful stream and

waterfall. %onathan dismounted and let his horse drin$. )e

sat on a near roc$. Michael oined him.

9I love this place. The sound of the pouring water is

so rela!ing.: )e laughed out loud and raised his eyebrows

several times. 9I sometimes come here in the summer and

lay in the water under the fall. (ometimes the cra4iness of

business and travel ma$es me insane. This place is li$e arefuge. 'ctually, all the places I show you today are special

to me.:

Michael smiled. 9"$ay. I guess its my turn. There

was a place where we used to go when I was a teenager. It

was bac$ in the swamp at home. (everal of us would swim

during the summer. Do I dare tell you that we did it withoutclothes8:

9&e8: %onathan flashed a huge Cheshire grin. 9I

$now there is more to this story.: )e laughed out loud and

clapped his hands together.

Michael flushed, slightly embarrassed. 9Ill e!plainsometime. The mental image and lurid scenario is far better

than the actuality.: )e laughed.

9&hat would you say to coming here in the summer

and swimming with me8: )e fle!ed his eyebrows again,


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several times, and another big grin filled his face. 9&ithout

clothes;:

Michael was rather surprised at how open and

forward %onathan was. It seemed, if he wanted to say it, he

did. This trait he really li$ed. )e had $nown many who

were so indecisive and could never spea$ their mind. 'nd it

drove him cra4y. 9&ell.: Michael paused for a moment. 9I

thin$ that could be a lot of fun. #ut, %onathan, you dont

even $now me. I might be some a!e murderer.:

9I doubt that.: )e laughed. 9Im a pretty good udge

of character and I can usually tell a lot about a person very

5uic$ly. I have to. I have had to learn, to very 5uic$ly sum

up a person. It may not seem fair or $ind, but it is necessary.

>specially in business.:

9"$ay. If you are so good at that, how do you see

me8: Michael threw his shoulders bac$, crossed his armsand gave a confident grin that %onathan would never be able

to see the person within him.

%onathan loo$ed very hard at Michael before he

began to spea$. 9Michael. &hat I am going to say is not to

hurt you or ma$e you uneasy. #ut I want you to $now what I

see and what I feel about you, holding nothing bac$. &illyou be comfortable with that8:

9'll right, Mr. (herloc$ )olmes, go at it.: Michael

was sure %onathan could never guess the really personal

things about himself.

9're you sure8: %onathan as$ed again.

9Go for it.: Michael was sure %onathan would miss

the mar$ by a mile.


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9I will begin by saying that our tal$ last night was

light and never really touched on things about the inner

person, but I did get some feelings and thoughts. (o, let me

begin.:

-or the ne!t hour, %onathan went into his impressions.

Michael was ta$en totally by surprise that he read him li$e

an open boo$.

%onathan started off by e!plaining how he saw

Michaels status, both economically and socially, reali4ing he

was the perfect e!ample of a starving artist. Then, he began

to analy4e his private life and brought out the facts of his

failed relationships, his great desire to find someone to share

his life with and his desire to find and $now real love. )e

pointed out that even though he could proect a sense of

confidence, deep down, he was 5uite insecure about many

things regarding himself. %onathan completely dissected his

whole life right in front of him, li$e peeling away the leavesof a head of lettuce, until he had reached the inner core.

Then he too$ the core and too$ it apart until there was

nothing left.

Michael was totally shoc$ed. It was as if he had

worn his whole life on his sleeve. It was rather unsettling

and disconcerting. &as he really that transparent8 #efore hecould catch his breath, %onathan started again.

'fter totally tearing down his life, %onathan began to

point out all the good 5ualities he saw. )e e!plained how he

$new Michael was talented, $ind and considerate and always

tried to be honest and helpful toward others. )e also pointed

out that Michael had always been unhappy with his ownphysicalness.

-inally, %onathan ended with a last comment.

9Michael. I can tell you are a very special man. I thin$ you

will find e!actly what you are loo$ing for. It might be closer


48/209

than you thin$. 'nd remember this. There are some out here

who are loo$ing for someone ust your si4e and with all your

5ualities. Trust me. 'nd that person will give you all the

love and care you see$.: )e paused for a moment then

loo$ed right at Michael. 9There is something else I want to

tell you. &hat you did at brea$fast. That was very

considerate of you. To than$, Ma!. 1ot many would ta$e

the time or even thin$ about doing it. It shows how $ind and

considerate you are. I find that a very great 5uality in a

person.:

There were several moments of silence before

Michael finally spo$e. 9Damn; &ow; &hat can I say8

Gee4; "$ay; !tremely well mannered. )appy with

himself and his physicalness. I see a man of money, fine

things, high social status, but doesnt let it all go to his head.


49/209

nabled me

to get the finest education. Too$ very good care of mymother. They loved each other so much, they dared to have

another child. My brother, Paul. (he told me that I could

never try to find out who he was, as it would be very

e!plosive in social circles. I $now she truly loved him and I

$now now, he truly loved her. I also $now, I would not be in

the position I am in right now without the help and guidance

of a man who I became very close to, even though I didnt$now at the time, he actually was my father. )e $new who I

was, but I didnt $now who he was.:

9I too$ my mothers maiden name in order to $eep

the secret. (he had great human 5ualities. I have always


50/209

tried to live up to her e!pectations. I really miss her. (he

passed away some twelve years ago. Ive been luc$y,

though. There has always been 'unt #eatrice. (he is a

wonderful woman. I love her dearly. (he has always told

me the truth and what I needed to $now. I respect her

opinion highly. If anyone really $nows me, she does. (he

$nows me completely.: There was a slight pause and then a

complete change in the subect. 9


51/209

ability to ta$e control of a situation and grab the reigns was a

5uality he had always admired.


52/209

9I find them really tedious and unforgiving. Guess

thats why I dont do them. &hy do you as$8:

9Thought about having one done, but havent decided

on who Id li$e to do it. &e might have to discuss it.:

9&ith your charm, how does anyone ever say 0no to

you8 #ut trust me. Im not your portrait painter.

6andscapes and still life paintings, yes, but not portraits.:

%onathan gave a big smile and his right eye spar$led.

9'll right. If you say so. #ut maybe you $now of a good

one.:

It was late afternoon when they returned to the stable

to let go the horses. The stable master grabbed the reigns of

%onathans horse. 9Did you have a good ride, sir8:

9Than$ you, &illiam. It was a wonderful day.

>verything is so beautiful in the spring.:

&hen they got bac$ to the pavilion, %onathan fi!ed

himself and Michael a drin$. 9Can you stay for dinner8 Ill

call up to the dining room and have something brought

down.: )e handed Michael an "ld -ashion.

9&ell, I dont want to be an imposition.: Michael

seemed to stutter, as he accepted the coc$tail. 9Than$ you.:

9If I didnt want you to stay, I wouldnt have as$ed.

1ow, what would you li$e8:

Michael reali4ed he was right. )e would never have

as$ed if he didnt want it to happen. 9Im easy. I li$e

everything.


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9Done.: %onathan pic$ed up the telephone. 9)ello,

Ma!. Michael is having dinner with me this evening. Ill

leave it up to you. (urprise us. Than$s, Ma!.: )e hung up

the phone. 9I love Ma!. )es a terrific man. )e was the

best chef in >urope and hes been the head chef at the hotel

for over ten years. )e treats me li$e gold and is always

accommodating. I thin$ the hotel is incredibly luc$y to have

such a man at the helm of the dining room and $itchen.

1ow, I want to ta$e a shower and change before dinner.

)ow about you8:

9&ell, Id li$e that, but I have no other clothes.:

91ot a problem. Chec$ the closet in your room. (ee

if theres anything there you might li$e to wear. 1othing

fancy. Casual. Go ta$e your shower and Ill get things

started down here.: %onathan went to light the fire in the

fireplace.

Michael went up to the bedroom and put his clothes

on a chair, then went to ta$e a shower. 'fter drying himself,

he went to the closet. There was a whole wardrobe of

clothes. )e pulled out a shirt and a pair of short pants and

held them up to himself. Damn. They loo$ li$e they would

fit 5uite well. )e went to the large dresser in the room.

"pening the drawer, he found underclothing. )e normallywent 0commando, but with wearing someone elses clothes,

he decided to restrain himself. Trying them on, it was as if

the clothes were made for him. #ut how could this be8 &ho

did they belong to8 &as there someone in %onathans life he

had not been told about8

Momentarily, he heard the shower in the bathroomand %onathan calling out. 9Go down and get comfortable by

the fire and finish your drin$. Ill be down in a few

minutes.:


54/209

9'll right. (ee you downstairs.: Michael yelled out,

finished dressing and went down to the living room. Im

going to ta$e him up on getting comfortable. )e too$ a

pillow off the settee and stretched out on the rug in front of

the fireplace.

)is mind sorted through the happenings of the day

and reali4ed he was beginning to really li$e %onathan. )e

had to admit that although ta$en abac$ by his uninhibited

personality, %onathan was real. )is actions and words were

those of someone trying to hide nothing. )e was a man who

spo$e his mind. )is obvious money had not created some

0better than you, snob attitude. )e accepted everyone as an

e5ual and treated all with respect. "nes level of income did

not appear to be an issue. #ut what else is behind those

intense green eyes8 &onder why he wears a patch8 Ill bet

there is one hell of a story concerning it.

(uddenly, he heard %onathans voice above andbehind. 9&ell, I see you too$ me at my word about getting

comfortable.: )e started to laugh. 9Im glad. Im glad you

feel comfortable here. Mind if I oin you8:

Michael laughed. 9Come on down;:

%onathan grabbed his drin$, another pillow and gotdown near Michael. #oth were on their stomachs on the rug,

in shorts, their coc$tails on the marble fireplace hearth,

loo$ing into the fire. 9Interesting you should choose to wear

short pants, too.:

't that moment, the phone rang.

9Thats Ma!.: %onathan got up to answer it. 9)ello,

Ma!.


55/209

appreciate it. Than$ you, Ma!.: )e hung up the phone and

wal$ed over to Michael, e!tending his hand. 96et me help

you up. 6ets go upstairs while they set up dinner. It will

ta$e them ust a few minutes. #est to be out of their way

while they do it.:

Michael grabbed %onathans hand and stood up. They

went upstairs and into %onathans bedroom. Michael saw a

sepia photograph of a young boy and woman, in an ornate

gold frame, on the bureau. (he was a stunning woman with

dar$ hair and dar$ eyes. The boy had coal blac$ hair. The

woman was absolutely stri$ing. It had to be his mother. (he

was wearing a most unusual nec$lace. ' large, dar$,

emerald/cut type stone was on a heavy woven chain. It was

impossible to tell what the gem was in the sepia photograph.

9(he is a beauty, isnt she8: %onathan spo$e, seeing

Michael staring at the picture. 9Thats my mother. &as

ta$en when I was about four.


56/209

9"h, %onathan. I am so sorry about your brother. #ut

of course not. Dont be silly. I am honored you would let

me wear them.: )e loo$ed bac$ at the picture of %onathan

and his mother. 9I see in the one of you and your mother,

she is wearing a most incredible nec$lace.:

9


57/209

Michael could not tell the amount in the bo!, as

%onathan only had the lid open a very short time, but he

$new it was not ust poc$et change. 9Damn; verything loo$s great. )ope you li$e the dressing forthe salad. It is one that Ma! came up with. I love it. 'nd he

$nows I do. )ere, get your plate and get started. Ill pour

the wine.: %onathan opened the bottle of white. 9Ill open

the bottle of red, too, for later. 6et it breathe a little first.:

)e opened the bottle of red wine and left it on the bar


58/209

cabinet. )e poured glasses for both of them, handing one to

Michael.

9)ave to tell you, it really smells good.: Michael

too$ a plate and placed portions from every dish on it.

#efore %onathan prepared his plate, he sto$ed the fire

to get a good bla4e going. )e then pic$ed up his wine glass

and raised it in the air. 9To a new found friend. In hopes, he

remains one for a lifetime.:

9Than$s, %onathan. That is $ind of you. 'nd to you,

too.: Michael raised his glass. 9)ave to tell you, I thin$

youre a great guy. I hope the same.:

They ate and discussed the food and its e!cellence all

through the meal. -inally, everything was eaten. There had

been ust enough of everything for them both.

9%onathan, would you li$e some more wine8:

9Please.:

Michael pic$ed up %onathans glass and headed for

the wine buc$et. )e placed the goblets on the bar cabinet

and pic$ed up the wine bottle. )e was not familiar with thevineyard, but he did see the date. It was nineteen hundred.

)e couldnt believe they were drin$ing such an old bottle of

wine. &onder how much this one cost8 Damn. )e poured

and handed one glass to %onathan then they sat on the rug

near the fire.

9Than$s, Michael.:

Michael too$ the lead in the conversation. )ave to

tell you. I have really enoyed the time weve shared today.

I thin$ youre a great guy. >ven with your obvious money,

you are laid/bac$ and unpretentious and it hasnt aded your


59/209

perception of others. "nes income level does not seem to

have an influence on who you consider a friend. I thin$

thats great.:

9Than$s, Michael.

M> written across my forehead.: Michael bent his head

down, pointed at it and chuc$led. 9"ne of these days.


60/209

(o many attractive men are ust that and there is nothing

between their ears but air.:

They both laughed out loud.

9#y the way, the party is &ednesday night, the

fourteenth. It will probably start around eight. It should be a

lot of fun. I cant wait for you to meet 'unt #eatrice. (he

really is a 0one of a $ind. I $now you are going to li$e her.:

9(o, you thin$ my outfit will be all right8:

9Michael. It is you. I wouldnt have it any other

way. 'nd if I didnt e!plain it well enough, you loo$ so nice

in it. "h. I forgot to tell you. The celebration will last

through the wee$end. If you want to wear something else

the other nights, you can. Chec$ out the clothes in the closet.

I thin$ Paul would be pleased you were wearing his formal

attire.:

9&ho is going to be there8 #esides your aunt8:

9(everal of my friends. Most from 1ew


61/209

%onathan sto$ed the fire to per$ it up. 9&ell, loo$s li$e

weve eaten everything and dran$ all the wine. Thin$ Im

about ready for bed.:

9


62/209

!"APTER $###

The dim morning light was coming through the

window of Michaels room when he awo$e. )e had restedwell. Then he became aware of noise in the bathroom.

%onathan must be up, too. )e found himself smiling at the

thought. )ad the short time hed spent with %onathan made

him reali4e he not only enoyed his company, but %onathans

presence brought him calmness, a comfort level hed not

$nown before8 There was a sense of peace and tran5uility in

his head that was refreshing. )e made the decision that he

hoped %onathan would li$e the painting of his 0cottage

because he was going to give it to him as a gift. )e still had

to laugh that %onathan called his ornate residence a cottage.

Michael got out of bed and wal$ed to the bathroom

door. )e $noc$ed. 9%onathan, Im heading downstairs. (ee

you in a few minutes.:

9'll right. #e down in a minute. 6et me finish

shaving first.:

%onathan finally came down and started the coffee on

the little stove located at the bar cabinet. Michael had to

laugh to himself, as he had not seen a percolator coffee pot in

ages. ' memory of his early years at his grandparents, whenthe family would visit them for the Christmas holidays, came

to his mind. )e did remember that it did ma$e the best

coffee.

9I $now it may sound ridiculous, but I ust cant seem

to function without my coffee in the morning. #efore I do

anything, I have to have my coffee. (ome thin$ I am totallyobsessive about it.: %onathan laughed.

9)ey; I $now e!actly what you mean. I feel the

same way.:


63/209

Coffee done, they both readied to do what they had

planned for the day. Michael headed for the door, turned and

called out. 9(ee you Tuesday evening. &hat time do you

want me to drop over8:

9)ow about around seven. Ill have Ma! send

something down for us. 'nything special you would li$e8:

9Ill leave it to you. Im easy. +emember8 6ater.

6ater.:

9"$ay, cowboy. Plan to stay here until the parties are

finished. "h. 'nd dont you go and disappear on me.:

Michael chuc$led. 9Dont worry. If the -ates will it,

Ill try not to.:

's Michael wal$ed bac$ to the hotel, he could not get

the smile off his face and the happenings of the last twodays. Maybe a page was turning in his life. Maybe for the

better8 )e breathed in the crisp morning air and too$

pleasure in all that he saw. 'll the blooming spring flowers

seemed more colorful and brighter than he remembered. It

was going to be a good day.

>ntering the lobby, he saw Paul at the front des$. 9Icannot believe you are still here.: )e laughed.

9Good morning, Mr. Michael.


64/209

good morning, sir.: Paul waved and got bac$ to the guest at

the des$.

Michael went to his room and set the painting of the

pavilion on his easel and stared at it intensely.


65/209

Michael turned to see the most incredible frame. It

was perfect. )e was totally ama4ed there would be such a

perfect frame. 9Its perfect; Thats it; &ow; I cant believe

it. )ow luc$y can I be;8:

The store cler$ smiled. 9Im glad you approve, sir.

(hall I wrap it up for you8:

9


66/209

9"h; Mr. Michael; It is beautiful; 'bsolutely

beautiful; 6i$e Monet and +enoir mi!ed together. It loo$s

li$e you stole it from a museum.: )e laughed and clapped

his hands. 9Mr. Michael, you really are talented. The

picture is alive with color. It seems to glow.


67/209

about ta! day being 'pril fifteenth.


68/209

since %onathan didnt loc$ his house. )e would have to as$

Paul about it. #ut he $new he had to get busy. There was so

much intricate detail wor$ on the delicate and lacey building.

It was going to ta$e some time to capture it with paint. #y

late afternoon, he had much of the new canvas covered with

the basic layout and foundation colors. )e wor$ed on it

again into the midafternoon on Tuesday. )e thought he

could finish it in one more day. 1ow, he had to get bac$ to

the room to get ready to go to %onathans for dinner.

#efore heading to his room, he went to the dining

room and as$ed if he could have several lengths of butcher

paper from the $itchen. )e wanted to wrap the painting with

it. The young man at the main des$ was $ind enough to get

it for him, as Michael did not want to interrupt Ma!,

$nowing he was most li$ely very busy with getting things

ready for dinner that night. Then it was off to his room.

)e decided to ta$e a rest after prepping his clothesfor the evening, as well as the outfit for the party on

&ednesday night. )e tried to imagine how the ne!t few

days would unfold. -rom the way %onathan described it, it

was going to be a constant party until he and all his guests

left on the ne!t Monday morning. It sounded so e!citing.


69/209

!"APTER #%

It was almost a 5uarter to seven, as he passed through

the lobby. )e had his clothes over one arm, blac$ cowboyhat stac$ed on top of the brown one on his head. )is blac$

boots were under his arm holding the painting of the

pavilion. ' tube of newly opened toothpaste was in his

poc$et. )e did not see Paul at the des$. )e smiled. Maybe

he got some time off. Down the pathways and stone stairs

along the way, he would be at %onathans on time.

%onathan was standing in the doorway in anticipation

of Michaels arrival. 9&ell.


70/209

my life, become a friend, then walt4 out of it and disappear8

)ell 1o;: %onathan was adamant.

Michael smiled. )e was so pleased %onathan li$ed

him. The feeling was mutual. 9"$ay. It can be an 0Ill see

you later gift.: )e too$ the painting and leaned it against

the piano.

9)ope you are hungry. Ma! is sending dinner down

in about an hour. &e can have a drin$ before it gets here.

6ets get your things up to your room first.:

Michael heard %onathan. There it was again. &as it

ust a slip of the tongue or was there something intentional to

it when he said 0your room and not 0Pauls room8 )e

shoo$ his head as if trying to remove some reluctant

cobwebs there. )e did not want to read anything into the

comment.

Putting Michaels things upstairs, they were bac$ in

the living room with %onathan ma$ing drin$s. 9'nd what

did you do all day yesterday and today8:

9(tarted my third painting. I thin$ Ill be able to

finish it with one more full day of wor$.:

9Three paintings8 )umm.: )e started to chuc$le. 9I

thin$ I $now what your gift is.: )e loo$ed toward the piano

and the rectangular wrapped obect leaning against it. 9Does

it have a building in it8: )e gave a sly snic$er.

9


71/209

9It will be. 'nd Im sure it will be a very nice

surprise.: %onathan changed the subect. 9Do you have

plans for tomorrow during the day8 If not, I had thought we

could go riding some more. I $now I am ta$ing away from

your time you would be painting. (o, if you need to paint, I

totally understand.:

9)ey; I can always paint. I would love to go riding

tomorrow. I truly enoy spending time with you.:

9Great. Ill have Ma! fi! us up a bas$et for lunch to

ta$e with us.:

It was going on eleven ocloc$ when they finished

dinner and settled in by the fire, continuing their

conversation.

9


72/209

9


73/209

&hen they returned to the pavilion, they began to get

ready for the party that night. It was going to be in the hotel

dining room, as would be the subse5uent parties. %onathan

indicated he was e!pecting around thirty to come in for the

celebration. It should be a lot of fun. There would be food

and music and dancing for the ne!t four days. Daily events

were also planned. There would be horsebac$ riding,

boating, games, luncheons, as well as free times for the

guests to do what they wanted.

Michael hoped he did not feel li$e an alien or appear

to be aw$ward. )e so wanted to give a good impression, for

%onathans sa$e.

-inally, they were dressed and ready to go up to the

hotel. The first party was to begin around eight that evening,

starting with dinner and dancing. Michael was nervous as

hell. Damn. ntering the dining room through one of the open

doors, he could see there were many more than thirty people.

"bviously, many of the hotel guests were having dinner, too.

'cross the room was a long table set up, decorated with


74/209

flowers and candelabra and set with many place settings.

That must be the table for %onathans guests. )is mind

whirled to capture everything in sight. To say he was

nervous as hell would be putting it mildly, a total

understatement.

Many guests saw them enter the room and came over

e!pressing their 0hellos and greetings. It was obvious

everyone $new everyone, as only first names were spo$en.

Michael was so aware of the loo$s up and down when he

was introduced. 'gain, only first names were used. It too$ a

little while, but he finally reali4ed %onathans friends were

really very nice and very personable. )e loo$ed around the

room trying to pic$ out %onathans aunt, but no one seemed

to stand out. )e was sure if she had been there, they would

have greeted her first. 's one of the waiters came by, as$ing

if they wanted something to drin$, Michael as$ed for his "ld

-ashion, then turned to %onathan and spo$e 5uietly. 9


75/209

irtually, at that moment, an e!tremely elegant, older,

white/haired woman with stri$ing features, appeared,

standing at the entrance to the dining room. %onathan

5uic$ly turned to Michael. 9)ere she is. #e bac$ in a

minute.: )e headed toward the lady. >veryone in the room

seemed to stop what they were doing and all conversation

ceased. 'll turned toward the entrance to the dining room.

To Michael, she loo$ed li$e some >uropean royalty, a

little shorter than himself, wearing a long elegant white

gown, long white gloves, and an elegant eweled nec$lace

and tiara. )e saw %onathan bow and $iss her hand, then

spea$ softly to her. (he grabbed %onathans face, pulling it

down toward hers and gently $issed him on the lips, then she

turned and smiled, loo$ing directly at Michael. They started

wal$ing in his direction. (he wal$ed as if she floated across

the floor on air. 's they passed, those to her sides bowed

and curtsied with 5uiet voices. 9Good evening, 6ady

(tanenberg.: It was the first time a last name was spo$en.Michael now $new her last name. (hortly, they stood in

front of him.

9'unt #eatrice. This is Michael.: %onathan smiled.

9)ello, Michael.: (he spo$e 5uietly, but directly, as

she slowly loo$ed at Michael, starting at his feet, all the wayto the top of his head. Then she smiled and e!tended her

hand. )e now saw that those bright and shining green eyes

ran in the family.

Michael heard an accent in her voice. Maybe it was

German or +ussian. )e could not tell. )e too$ her hand,

clic$ed his boot heels together and bowed slightly, thenloo$ed right at her. 91ice to meet you, Madame.:

9I loo$ forward to tal$ing with you.: (he smiled

$indly and her eyes spar$led. 96et me go pay my respects to

%onathans other guests.: (he turned to %onathan. 9My dear.


76/209

Do not be fussy. I can well ta$e care of myself.


77/209

artwor$. The only painting that was framed and ready to be

seen was the one he was giving to %onathan and that was not

to be opened until that coming (unday. (trangely, through

the entire evening, he had not had any time to tal$ with

%onathans aunt. #ut he $new there would be time during the

ne!t few days.

'round midnight, %onathan instructed the musicians

they could leave, giving each and everyone a handsome

gratuity. 'fter their last selection, everyone applauded them

in appreciation of their e!cellence. 'll of the other hotel

guests had already left the dining room. %onathan returned to

the table.

'll were still seated when %onathan too$ a for$ and

rang his water goblet. 9-irst of all, I want to than$ all of you

for coming to the celebration. There is a lot planned for the

ne!t few days, as you can see on the itinerary that was sent

to everyone. I $now you all are tired from your trips. (o, wewill meet tomorrow morning around ten, down at the la$e for

boating. (leep well and see you then.:

#efore leaving, %onathans aunt came up to Michael

and spo$e in a calm and clear voice. 9It was nice to meet

you, Michael.:

Michael bowed slightly, clic$ed his heels and too$

her hand and $issed it. )e loo$ed at her and smiled. 9It was

nice meeting you, too, Madame.:

%onathan led his aunt to the entrance of the dining

room, bowed and $issed her hand, then gave her a hug. (he

$issed him gently on the lips. )e waited till she had gone,then returned to Michael.

3uiet 0goodbyes and 0see you in the mornings were

e!changed, as the group bro$e up and left the dining room.

'll e!pressed how much they were glad to meet Michael.


78/209

Michael watched %onathan go to each of the waiters

and than$ed them, placing something in each ones hand.

6astly, he went to Ma!, still standing with a great smile on

his face. )e shoo$ his hand. 9%ob well done, Ma!. %ob well

done. Than$ you. I am constantly in your debt.:

Ma! bowed slightly. 9


79/209

They shared the bathroom, as each too$ a shower and

readied for bed. Michael was the first to leave the bathroom.

9Good night, %onathan. Call me when you are getting up.

'nd than$ you so much for inviting me. I had a wonderful

time.:

9Michael.: %onathan paused a moment. 9I $now you

said you wanted me to wait till (unday to see the painting,

but I would very much li$e you to share it with everyone

tomorrow evening at dinner. (everal, I $now, are interested

in seeing what you can do, as am I, and you never $now.


80/209

%onathan put his hands over his eyes, even the one with the

patch.

9'll right.: Michael was getting a big charge out of

watching %onathan. )e was seeing a part of him he had no

idea e!isted. )e was seeing the child within, which he

thought was wonderful. It made %onathan that much more

human and real. )e carried the painting some ten feet from

%onathan. The light in the room was perfect. )e turned the

painting to face %onathan. 9"$ay.


81/209

wipe his tears. )e composed himself, then cleared his throat.

91ow, its time for bed. &e have a long day tomorrow. I

thin$ it will be fun.: )e headed for the stairs.

Michael was right behind. 9I am so loo$ing forward

to it.: )alfway up the stairs, he spo$e again. 9I really am

glad you li$e the painting, %onathan. That means a lot to

me.:

%onathan stopped and turned around, loo$ing down at

Michael a few steps lower. 9I love it, Michael. Than$ you.

Than$ you so much. 'nd you could never imagine what it

means to me. I cant wait for 'unt #eatrice to see it. (he

loves good artwor$. 's I mentioned before, she has 5uite a

collection of her own. I cant wait for her to see the talent

you are.:

Michael lay in bed and smiled with thoughts of the

party flipping in his head. )ed really had a great time. )ethen reflected on the comment %onathan made regarding his

aunt 0that she was right. &hat did he mean8 'nd what did

he mean when he said 0this is ust the beginning8 Maybe he

would find out soon enough. )e could not dwell on it.

Tomorrow was going to be another busy day. )e tried very

hard to clear his mind and before he reali4ed it, he was

asleep.


82/209

!"APTER %

&hen Michael wo$e, he could hear %onathan in the

bathroom. )e 5uic$ly got up and yelled out. 9%onathan,good morning.:

The bathroom door opened. 9Good morning to you,

too.: )e smiled, standing there with ust a towel around

himself. 9I thin$ it is going to be 5uite cool out, so you

might want to wear your ac$et again.:

9I thought the same thing.: )e had put on his clean

eans and flannel shirt hed brought the day before, his

brown boots and hat and his fleece ac$et. 9Ill meet you

downstairs.:

In no time at all, %onathan appeared in a very tailored

wool outfit and cap. 9)ope you are up for a little boating

this morning. I have to do it today. Its the fifteenth. Its my

way of coping.: )e gave a nervous laugh and stared off into

space as if recalling some memory. )is right hand moved to

the upper center of his chest and his fingers moved as if

trying to grasp something there. 9#ut first, lets get

something to eat.:

They went up the paths and stairs in the garden, to theterrace and then through the -rench doors. 9Good morning,

Ma!. 'nd how are you this morning8 Than$ you so much

for dinner last night. It was wonderful.:

9It was my pleasure, Mr. %onathan. I am e!pecting

everyone down shortly to eat.:

(uddenly, Michael was aware of a young child

standing in the entry of the dining room. It was a boy around

si! years old. )e came wal$ing through the dining room,


83/209

right to %onathan, Michael and Ma!. 9Papa. Can I go see

the horses for a while8: )e spo$e 5uietly.

9(on. &here are your manners8


84/209

were e!changed across the room. %onathans aunt was

nowhere to be seen.

'fter eating, they headed for the la$e and down to the

boats.

9)ope you li$e a little e!ercise. +owing will really

give your arms a wor$out.: %onathan, again, laughed

nervously and brushed the center of his chest. 9#ut its

better than swimming in the cold water.:

-or several hours they rowed out and up the la$e until

it was around one in the afternoon. %onathan headed the boat

bac$, as there was to be a luncheon on the landing. 6awn

chairs and blan$ets had been provided. The air was crisp,

but not uncomfortably cold.

Most all the men sat on the blan$ets and the ladies sat

in the chairs. The ladies wore long dresses and light longcoats with hats to ward off the slightly cool air. Michael $ept

loo$ing at everyones attire, thin$ing it seemed a little

strange. #ut not having traveled in the high upper class was

not really sure how the wealthy dressed for such events.

%onathans aunt arrived and was dressed very

elegantly, then sat in a rather prime spot. 'll the otherwomen were around her as if she was the 5ueen bee. 'gain,

Michael did not get the chance to tal$ with her. Maybe the

chance would come that evening at dinner.

The rest of the afternoon was spent on the upper

lawns with everyone playing cro5uette. It was great fun for

Michael, as he had not played in years. )e was not as goodas the others. )e was sure they probably played it on a

regular basis. &hen his ball got hit and $noc$ed halfway

across the lawn, he didnt mind and ust laughed out loud.

>veryone was pleased he too$ it so cheerfully. 's the game

progressed and it would come time for Michaels ball to be


85/209

$noc$ed away again, the one hitting it became 5uite

apologetic about it and seemed to hit it reluctantly. They

could see Michael was a really good sport about it all,

endearing him to them even more.

%onathan was so pleased that his friends li$ed

Michael. )e $new his aunt was watching and would have

much to say down the road. "f that, he was sure.

The games over, everyone began to head to the hotel

to get ready for dinner. It was almost si! ocloc$ when

Michael and %onathan headed to the pavilion.

9%onathan. I $now you said I could wear some of

Pauls formal attire tonight. 're you sure you really dont

mind8:

9Please. Pauls clothes seem to fit you so well. #ut

wear your blac$ boots and hat. I cant imagine you withoutthem.:

9


86/209

't that moment, there was a $noc$ at the bedroom

door.

9Come in.:

%onathan entered the room and saw Michael standing

there. 9


87/209

%onathan placed it on the easel in a spot that was well

lighted and could be seen by all in the dining room, yet out

of the way enough so no one could rub against it and smear

the paint. %onathan stood bac$ to ma$e sure the presentation

was satisfactory.

't the same time, Ma! came up with a large sturdy

piece of paper on a hoo$. )e moved two chairs in front of

the easel and hung the sign on the bac$ of one. It read.

0Painting wet. Do 1ot Touch;

%onathan and Michael saw it and came up to Ma!,

standing there loo$ing at the sign. %onathan patted Ma! on

the shoulder. 'll three began to chuc$le. 9Than$ you, Ma!.

Perfect.:

Ma! smiled. 91o need to ta$e any chances with such

a beautiful painting.: )e headed to the $itchen.

'lmost immediately, hotel guests were coming up

in5uiring about the painting and how beautiful it was.

%onathan was very pleased that everyone saw the beauty he

saw.

Michael was mobbed when the guests reali4ed he was

the artist. Many were as$ing about possible commissions.

%onathan was so pleased. It was wonderful to see

Michael as the center of attention. (hortly, many of his

guests were entering the dining room. )e $new Michael

could ta$e care of himself so he went to greet his friends and

lead them to the large table to where they would be sitting.

)e invited all of them to see the painting.

>veryone had arrived when %onathans aunt appeared

at the entry. 'gain, %onathan went to meet her and lead her

to her spot at the head of the table. >veryone stood up as she

arrived. 9Please come and see the painting Michael did for


88/209

me. I thin$ you will be surprised.: They wal$ed over to the

painting.

9)e is very good. I li$e the colors and the

perspective. I could almost wal$ into the scene.: (he spo$e

very deliberately, yet 5uietly.

%onathan smiled. 9I told him the same thing.: )e

was happy at her response.

-inally, all were seated, %onathans aunt at the head of

the table and %onathan at the other end. Michael sat to his

right. Dinner began, as did the bu44 of conversations,

mainly about Michael and his painting.

Michael reali4ed that even though he had tal$ed with

many of %onathans friends, he still really didnt $now

anything about them. )e had some idea they were in upper

management or owners of industrial companies, railroadingor the ban$ing arena. #ut that was about it. 'll the women

seemed to be stay/at/home wives but entertained each other

often with coffees, teas, cards and other social games. The

one thing he did $now is they were all very, very wealthy.

Dinner over, all retired for the night. %onathan, again

gave handsome gratuities to all service people, than$ingthem profusely for their e!cellence. )e told Michael to get

the painting and they returned to the pavilion. %onathan

fi!ed them both a last coc$tail, as Michael leaned the

painting up against the piano.

9%onathan. I really do li$e all your friends. They are

a bit distant, but they are so nice. >ven in the strata ofsociety where they e!ist, they are truly genuine fol$s. 'nd

they dont seem to care that I dont have a golden spoon in

my mouth.: )e chuc$led.


89/209

9I $new they were going to li$e you. )ow could they

not8 'nd I believe they see how much I li$e you.:

9#ut, you $now. I havent really tal$ed with your

aunt yet. I $now she is watching me. Ive seen her loo$ing

at me when I was least e!pecting it. I feel li$e she is

gathering some sort of ammunition to get me with.:

%onathan laughed. 9Dont worry. I thin$ she is

seeing if what I have told her and what she has told me is

correct.:

9


90/209

was going to have another long tal$ with Paul when he got

bac$. )e $new Paul would not mind listening and would not

be udgmental.


91/209

!"APTER %#

-riday was spent with horsebac$ riding. It was

interesting to Michael that %onathan, leading the group, too$them everywhere, but never to any of the special places he

had been shown. )e didnt divulge this information to

anyone.

Dinner that night was ust as much fun, with the

music and dancing. The food was e!ceptional, as was the

service. Michael was so appreciative that there was such a

great selection of clothes to wear in Pauls closet since he

had brought only the ones he wore that Tuesday night. It

saved him from having to go bac$ to the hotel for more of

his own.

The same held true for (aturday. #ut (unday was left

to the guests to do whatever they wanted.

%onathan and Michael came up to the dining room for

a late brea$fast, %onathan dressed in his casual wear and

Michael in his eans, flannel and boots. They greeted Ma!

and were seated at a table near the windows. %ust then,

%onathans aunt came into the room. 1ot dressed as formally

as she had been, but still elegant and stylish. %onathan

umped up and guided her to their table, pulling out a chairfor her.

9Good morning, Madame. It is nice to see you

again.: Michael had 5uic$ly stood up and had bowed

slightly, then sat down again after %onathans aunt was

seated.

9Good morning, Michael.: (he smiled.

%onathan returned to the table after as$ing Ma! to

include his aunt.


92/209

They enoyed small tal$ as they ate. The waiter

cleared all the plates, leaving the coffee china. (uddenly,

Michael felt %onathans foot bump up against his. )e loo$ed

over at %onathan with a 5uestioning loo$.

%onathan smiled bac$. 9Michael. I have a few things

I have to prepare before I leave tomorrow. &ould you mind

staying here with 'unt #eatrice8 Im sure she would

appreciate the company.:

Instantly, Michael reali4ed, this was the moment. )is

stress level soared into orbit and he wondered if the feeling

he was having was a heart attac$. )e $new it was evident

when %onathan loo$ed in5uisitively at him, seeing his face

blush. )e smiled at %onathan and spo$e nervously. 9I thin$

that would be wonderful. Please, go right ahead. Come

bac$ when you are finished.: )e had a feeling this

conversation was not going to be some short wal$ in thepar$.

%onathan got up and bowed slightly to his aunt. 9Its

going on eleven/thirty now. (ee you both around three/thirty

or four.: They watched him go out the doors, across the

terrace and disappear down the path to the pavilion.

Michael and #eatrice sat across the table from one

another for a few moments in silence, sipping their coffee.

Their waiter came by and brought a new pot, placing it in the

center of the table with more cream and sugar, in fresh china

containers. Michael pic$ed up the pot and stood up. 9May

I8:

9Please. Than$ you, Michael.: #eatrice smiled at his

attentiveness. 'fter a slight moment of silence, she spo$e

again. 9(o. Michael. I have heard good things about you.


93/209

It had begun. Michael $new he would have to tell the

basics of his life and place all cards on the table. #eatrice

did not seem to be the $ind of person from whom you could

hide anything. It seemed she could see into your very soul

without you saying a word. 'nd so he began. -or almost

two hours, he told of his history. )e watched #eatrices face

as he spo$e and was surprised, yet pleased, that his obvious

lac$ of money did not have any impression on her at all. )e

had touched on earlier relationships hed had, not indicating

gender or names, and how each one ended, as they had not

begun on a firm foundation. )e was showing his inner self

when he indicated how it had been easy for others to ta$e

advantage of him. )e $new it was a fault, but he was not

apologetic for it. )e had remembered an e!pression he once

heard. 0(how me a man who is a lover and Ill show you a

man with lots of scars.

'fter some moments of silence, #eatrice spo$e softly.

9I see you have had your trials and tribulations in life. 'ndthat is not a bad thing. It can build character. 'nd you seem

to be a very good and $ind man and have weathered the

storms.


94/209

(he described there were a few times %onathan had

attempted a relationship, mentioning the names of several

women. 9#ut he finally reali4ed he was not being honest

with himself.: #eatrice loo$ed very hard into Michaels

eyes. 9I have a sense you can understand why %onathans

relationships did not wor$ out.: (he was silent, sipping her

coffee.

Michael could see she $new the $ind of man he was

inside. (he $new completely who he was.

#eatrice continued. 9%onathan has always wanted

love and to be loved. In the way he wants and he should

have it. I have watched him struggle with himself over the

years and finally tal$ed with him. %onathan is more special

to me than you can imagine. 1ever have I met anyone who I

believed could and would love him the way he deserves.:

(he paused for a moment. 91ot until now.: (he loo$ed

right at Michael. 9Michael. I see the $ind and giving manyou are. I see how sens

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